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LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - Florida Polytechnic University is set to name its campus in honor of former state Sen. J.D. Alexander, who helped create the state’s 12th university in 2012.

The university’s Board of Trustees voted 9-0 Wednesday to name the campus the John David “JD” Alexander Campus, The Ledger of Lakeland reports (https://bit.ly/1MYCRWM ).

“Without his actions, we wouldn’t be here today,” Board Chairman Mark Bostick said after the meeting.

Alexander, a Lake Wales Republican, was the Florida Senate’s budget chairman in 2012 when he pushed for the creation of the university. The school was formed after lawmakers voted to approve a split with the University of South Florida, carving off USF’s Lakeland campus.

Alexander said Wednesday that he feels honored to have been recognized.

“I’m very proud of the progress of (university President) Dr. (Randy) Avent, the board and the faculty,” Alexander said. “I hope and believe it will become a pre-eminent institution in Florida and helps to diversify the Florida economy.”

The new name is expected to soon be approved by the university’s foundation board.

The university, which opened in 2014, plans to hold a formal ceremony at a later date to commemorate the new name.

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